Are you ready to indulge in a creamy and delicious dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than this homemade mac and cheese! Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this classic comfort food is sure to please everyone at your table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Homemade Mac and Cheese
This version of mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It's made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, making it an easy choice for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or casserole dish and set it aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it is lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine, letting every piece of pasta get coated in that creamy goodness.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish. If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
Gather your loved ones and dig into this flavorful dish. Mac and cheese made from scratch is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine while it bakes. Happy cooking!
Post a Comment